We’ve also reported about satellites being sent into space to blanket the world with not-harmless WiFi and 5G despite widespread environmental opposition and warnings that there’s too much dangerous space junk out there already. (See 1, 2,3, 4, 5)

The blimp-like aircraft, which is 15 meters long and has a wingspan of 10.5 meters, has been designed for businesses and scientific use, and its creators hope it will revolutionize the telecommunications industry.

“The Phoenix spends half its time as a heavier-than-air aeroplane, the other as a lighter-than-air balloon,” explains Andrew Rae, professor of engineering at the University of the Highlands and Islands Perth College, who was involved in the project. “The repeated transition between these states provides the sole source of propulsion.

“This system allows the Phoenix to be completely self-sufficient,” he adds in a statement. “Vehicles based on this technology could be used as pseudo satellites and would provide a much cheaper option for telecommunication activities.”

The team behind the aircraft also believe it could be used to provide Wi-Fi coverage to remote areas.